I was extremely impressed with my first experience at The Fruit Yard, especially because I made two different visits here in one day, in very different capacities.
My mom and aunt planned to host my grandparents' 50th anniversary party here yesterday, Saturday. The staff were very helpful in determining how many people could be accommodated in their hall, in providing dinner options for the evening's meal, etc. But before we showed up for the party in the evening, my dad, brother, boyfriend and I decided to have lunch here in the restaurant while my mom and aunt finished up final preparations for the party elsewhere.
For lunch I ordered the beef ravioli in a meat sauce while the guys ordered three different sandwiches; I know my boyfriend ordered the roast beef au jus, but I'm not positive which ones my dad and brother ordered (I think my bro got the BLT). My meal had the option of either heading to the salad bar or choosing the soup of the day, beef noodle vegetable. I chose the soup, which was incredibly delicious, with big penne noodles, shredded beef, a ton of veggies, and served with both a white and dark dinner roll with whipped butter on the side.
My ravioli was tasty, served with a side of fresh veggies (green beans, broccoli, cauliflower, and squash) and two pieces of garlic bread. My only complaint was that the sauce was on the sweet side, which isn't my favorite, but the portions were generous and the food overall was very good. I love me some ravioli. The sandwiches were all really big and had a ton of fresh, quality meat, while the french fries that came with them were awesome. They're sort of like home fries, seasoned and super crispy on the outside, almost creamy on the inside.
My brother and I ordered pie for dessert (I figured since we were eating at The Fruit Yard their fruit pie was worth trying), a slice of boysenberry for me and apple for him, and we had our slices warmed. While I didn't try the apple, the boysenberry was really delicious, not to mention the slice was really big and the filling was gooey and warm. The crust was nice and flaky and buttery.
While the meal was a hit, our waitress, though efficient and polite, was really frosty. She seemed a little more chipper with the couple she seated behind us, but with us she was humorless, never replied when thanked, and somewhat curt.
When we came back in the evening for our private party in the banquet hall, I was impressed again (and a lot more so with the wait staff). The Fruit Yard worked hard to get the tables set up with the color theme my aunt and mom set up, along with the food buffet style, and they provided a giant sheet cake as well. On the menu was salad, pasta salad, fresh fruit, grilled chicken, tri tip, potatoes, fresh veggies, and dinner rolls. Everything was really delicious, though I was a bit disappointed that the chicken was kind of dry, though had good flavor. The tri tip was juicy and cooked to perfection.
The two waiters were constantly about refilling drinks, taking plates, and in general being very attentive and friendly to the guests. They had everything cleaned and in order very quickly at the end of the night, but didn't at all make us feel rushed out. While the hall is a small venue meant for more intimate parties (I believe the maximum occupancy was somewhere around 60 and there's no dancefloor), it was an accommodating spot and perfect for our needs. The bar is conveniently right outside of the hall's doors, in case a party wanted to have an open bar, or if guests wanted to step outside and have a drink.
Finally, just outside of the hall is a beautiful park with ponds, fountains, maintained grounds, and a legion of ducks and geese meandering about, not to mention a handful of roosters. It was a nice place to walk around and get some quiet and fresh air away from the party (although it was nice and air conditioned inside and hell of hot and humid outside).
Overall, a great restaurant for lunch and a great venue for an anniversary party or any other event you'd like to host. I'd be happy to return for another meal. read more